A nepo baby is a derogatory slang term for a person, often in entertainment or media, whose career benefits from their parents’ or family’s name, wealth, or social capital.

If we are to follow this description to the letter, then it is safe to declare that Sharon Cuneta is one. Her father, the longest-reigning mayor of Pasay City, Pablo Cuneta, bankrolled Sining Silangan Productions, which made Cuneta’s first film with Gabby Concepcion, Dear Heart. Her early records, such as Mr. DJ and Kahit Maputi ang Buhok Ko, made her a bubblegum pop sensation, and in true unti-unting mararating ang kalangitan at bituin fashion, she eventually became the "Megastar."

Kris Aquino is another fine nepo baby. Her passport to show business came by virtue of being the youngest daughter of President Corazon Aquino. All she had, when she was a newbie, was her last name. Nobody knew then that she had the gift of gab, charisma and the ability to move products in the market. The colorful twists and turns of her life became national TV and broadsheet headlines and, yes, we all agree that we cannot get enough of the "Queen of Talk."

Prior to Luis Manzano earning his niche as the Pambansang game show host, the son of "Star for All Seasons" Vilma Santos and dramatic, character, and one-time action star Edu Manzano, was also a true-blue nepo baby.

Their last names may have been instrumental in opening doors, but whatever they have become is the product of blood, sweat, tears, luck, time, talent, professionalism and commitment to the craft.

Thus, I cannot help but wonder if Atasha Muhlach, who is now being attacked because she was cast as Annie Batungbakal in the forthcoming Bongga Ka ‘Day! musical, has what it takes to prove that there is more to her than her family’s famous name.

Truth

It is not Atasha’s fault that she was born with the Muhlach family name. All her life, her father, Aga, and mother, Charlene, made sure that she had the most normal childhood possible together with her wonder twin, Andres.

Looking back, we only saw them in commercials for a fast-food fried chicken brand, at a few public appearances every time they watched a Lea Salonga concert — one of their dad’s all-time favorite leading ladies — and when Atasha became Brigitta Von Trapp in the 2011 production of The Sound of Music.

After that stage appearance, she focused on being a private citizen, pursued her studies at the British School Manila, and earned her business degree from Nottingham Trent University, graduating with honors three years ago.

Before becoming Annie Batungbakal, she became a Dabarkad on Eat Bulaga! for a year and five months, worked for two seasons on The Pers Family and performed in 26 shows as the lead in the Philippine adaptation of Bad Genius.

Handling the truth

Yes, she did audition for the musical. As to why she got the part, the heads of Full House Theater Company, Viva Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR — the three companies that bankrolled the musical theater production — may address the nagging question or choose not to dignify the matter.

Muhlach’s merits as a singer and actress had the stamp of approval of stage director Chris Millado, musical director Vince Lim, and playwright and librettist Lisa Magtoto.

That she murdered “Pers Lab” during the press conference with the worst pronunciation of the Tagalog lyrics and that she sang out of tune can be charged to jitters and nerves. There is still ample time to rehearse and practice since the musical’s run does not begin until September.

Lastly, stop comparing her to what Nora Aunor (+) did in the movie version. The majority of those using Aunor’s depiction of the dispatsadora who becomes bongga, bonggang at night as the standard that should be used in casting Annie did not even have the chance to watch the original film released in 1979. The angry and noisy Gen Zs and millennials casting doubt and vitriol on social media were not even born then. For them to have the audacity to criticize and diss Muhlach is a sorry case of inggit and biting off more than they can chew.